Exclusive: 'My film with Shivarajkumar is set in the 14 century,' reveals director Hemanth M. Rao

Filmmaker Hemanth M. Rao is quite upbeat about his upcoming movie, which is yet to be titled. The film will mark his maiden collaboration with Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar and is set to go on the floors soon.

Speaking on the podcast show Filmi Fiesta , Hemanth revealed that he can't wait to collaborate with Shivarajkumar, adding that he has been his fan since he was young. "I have grown up watching Shivarajkumar's movies. There is a certain fan in me. I have seen him do all kinds of films. For me, it's a huge opportunity to work with such a big star and to try and do something unique. It's a very big challenge. He is 130 films old. There is nothing he hasn't done. And for me to get him to do something new is a challenge that I am looking forward to," said Hemanth.

Hemanth is touted to be an avant-garde filmmaker, whose movies are known to explore serious themes and pressing philosophical questions facing humankind. He made his directorial debut with "Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu," and cemented his position as a highly talented and innovative storyteller with the movie "Kavaludaari." His latest two-part romantic tragedy "Sapta Saagaradaache Ello," Side A and Side B, were critical darlings and also emerged successful at the box office.

However, Hemanth revealed that his upcoming movie with Shivarajkumar will be on a different meter than his previous movies. "It will be a very entertaining film. It's a commercial film, which I have always wanted to do. But, this will be my film," he said.

Hemanth suggested that even though his next movie will be made to appeal to the mass audience and will be tailored to suit Shivarajkumar's stardom, it will not be a run-of-the-mill commercial entertainer. "It's an action film set in the past," he added.

Hemanth also revealed that the film is a period fantasy drama and unlike his previous films, he will not spend a lot of time on research to accurately depict the emotional and physical plight of his characters.

"This film is not research-heavy. Although it's set in the 14th century; I am going to do research for that world, but it is not factually accurate. It is not from some history book. It's a completely fictional story," he added.

Hemanth is now busy with the pre-production work of the movie.

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